It could be months before Lyons returns

Facilities are damaged; water is contaminated

People pack the Longmont City Council chambers Thursday night to get more information about the condition of Lyons after last week's flood.
(
Whitney Bryen/Times-Call
)

LONGMONT -- It is going to be months before the infrastructure in the town of Lyons is ready to support residents, town and county administrators announced to a packed room during a town meeting Thursday night in Longmont.

Hundreds crammed into the Longmont City Council Chambers where they learned that the state of the town's water, sewerage, power, roads and bridges likely will keep residents from moving back in for two to six months.

Testing revealed that the town's drinking water is contaminated with E. coli and is unsafe to drink, town administrator Victoria Simonsen told the crowd.

Water lines have been compromised in several places, and it would take at least $1 million to get the wastewater plant working temporarily, she said.

A car drives toward a security check point on Colo. Highway 66 near Foothills Highway on Thursday in Lyons.
(
Matthew Jonas
)

Crews cannot begin repairs to the water lines and the sewage plant until officials determine if they will work around the river. A meeting is planned for Friday afternoon to discuss the options, Simonsen said.

Access to the town and homes became the dominant topic of discussion toward the end of the meeting as many residents questioned officials about the evacuation and restrictive passes.

Boulder County Sheriff's deputy Nick Goldberger and Simonsen clarified that the evacuation is not mandatory and that residents can choose to stay in their homes if they feel comfortable and are self-sustained.

"This is not a mandatory evacuation, but it is a health concern if you stay there and we wish you would leave," Goldberger said. "You're all adults, and you'll make your own decisions."

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Some residents said the restricted access passes being handed out by the town are keeping them from coming and going from their homes as they please, but administrators said they would work to create a process for residents who are staying in Lyons.

This week, restricted passes were issued to residents to access their home Thursday, Friday or Saturday based on where they live. Officials said they are hoping to continue issuing passes on a weekly basis and to streamline the process.

Officials encouraged all residents to register with FEMA, even those who do not have flood damage to their homes.

One resident said he already had contacted FEMA, had an official assessment and received $1,500 for being displaced.

FEMA registration will be available at the Disaster Assistance Center at Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont, which also will have information specific for Lyons residents, officials said.

Despite frustration from residents, mostly about restricted access and conflicting information about FEMA and insurance claims, the crowd seemed grateful to hard-working and displaced town administrators.

Lyons Mayor Julie VanDomelen described residents as "homeless in a way," and told the crowd she understood what they were going through since she also was displaced and staying in an RV.

Residents Cheryl and Dale Foland said even though it's not ideal, they were grateful for some access to their home and the efforts that town officials have accomplished.

"I think it makes everyone feel better to know that they're considering a lot of options and trying to make it work, even though it's not a perfect situation," Cheryl Foland said.

Simonsen said officials are hoping to hold town meetings regularly to keep residents informed about the status of the town and their homes.

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